KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — More than a year before Election Day, the field of candidates hoping to become Knoxville’s next mayor is beginning to take shape.
With Mayor Indya Kincannon unable to seek another term because of term limits, several familiar names in local politics have already filed petitions with the Knox County Election Commission to run for the city’s highest office.
Candidates have until May 20, 2027, to return qualifying petitions, but six individuals have already signaled their intention to compete in what is expected to be one of Knoxville’s most closely watched municipal elections in recent years.
The city’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 31, 2027. If no candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, the top contenders will advance to the general election on Nov. 2, 2027.
Candidates in the Race
Beau Hawk
Former Knox County mayoral candidate Beau Hawk is making another bid for elected office after narrowly losing to Republican Betsy Henderson in the 2026 county mayor’s race.
Hawk, a union ironworker, built his previous campaign around affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, public education and support for working families. He captured 47.5% of the vote in the county race, one of the strongest showings by a Democrat in recent Knox County history.
Richard R.C. Lawhorn
Business owner Richard Lawhorn is no stranger to Knoxville mayoral politics. He previously challenged Kincannon in the 2023 mayoral election.
Lawhorn’s earlier campaign focused on affordable housing, school safety and community outreach. Campaign disclosures show he currently has about $338 on hand.
Amelia Parker
Current Knoxville City Council member Amelia Parker has also entered the race. Parker has represented the city’s At-Large Seat C since 2019 and has made affordable housing, transparency, public safety and mental health services central themes of her campaign.
Parker is well known for her advocacy work and has frequently challenged city leadership on major issues, including the handling of the Knoxville Police Department texting scandal involving Police Chief Paul Noel.
Lauren Rider
Former Knoxville City Council member Lauren Rider is campaigning on issues including housing, public safety, economic opportunity and greater public involvement in city government.
Rider has emphasized managing Knoxville’s rapid growth and has highlighted her experience passing land-use reforms during her years on council.
Andrew Roberto
Former Knoxville Vice Mayor and City Council member Andrew Roberto is also seeking the office.
Roberto’s campaign focuses on affordability, government transparency and public engagement. He has been a vocal advocate for safer roadways following the death of his daughter in a 2024 automobile crash.
Jeff Talman
Businessman Jeff Talman has entered the race after also running for mayor in 2023.
Talman has not yet released detailed campaign priorities, though during his previous run he emphasized civic involvement and opposition to higher property taxes.
Early Campaign Begins
While the election remains months away, the early filings indicate Knoxville voters are likely to see a competitive and wide-ranging debate over issues such as growth, housing affordability, transportation, public safety and government transparency.
With no incumbent in the field for the first time since 2019, the race to lead Tennessee’s third-largest city is expected to attract significant public attention in the months ahead.
